Archive for July, 2011

An early start to my day (as usual) saw me at Bear Creek by 8am this morning, to meet up with Barry the Senior 55 Canadian Trials Champ !!! - (Nothing like a ride with a recently crowned Champ to sharpen your skills !!!) We elected to get out before the heat, but even so, it was getting quite warm by the time we got going. - As there was just the two of us, we spent time practicing some of our usual sections, making some tricky new lines etc, but after a couple of hours I was getting pretty played out with the heat, and we called it a day. - stopping off at the Creek-side Pub for brunch. - I enjoyed listening to Bar’s account of his Quebec experience - certainly a lot different from our Western events.

***************************************************

My morning started at 5am, with the Formula One race from Hungary - a win for McLaren and Jenson Button, with Sebastian Vettell 2nd and Alonso 3rd. - Lewis Hamilton was unlucky to get a drive through penalty after leading much of the race - he did however manage to salvage 4th spot.

*****************************************************

Over in Bonny Scotland, it was Adam Raga (GG) who took the win at the World Round, edging Tony Bou (Hon) by one point, with Fujinami (Hon) in 3rd. - some 18 points back - Albert Cabestany (Sherco) was another rider who was close - finishing one point behind Fuji - while James Dabill (Beta) was top Brit - losing 61 points. - the other scores were -

Jack Sheppard (Beta) gave the home fans something to cheer about by winning the Youth Class, by a margin of 7 points.

*********************************************************

LATE NEWS - We’ve heard that our buddy Jimmy had a big crash yesterday while out riding with Jacek & Mitch - a phone call today confirmed that he has a broken collar bone, cracked rib and sprained thumb - as usual he was upbeat about the whole scenario - saying the biggest problem was wiping his A****

Luckily the Beta Evo didn’t get damaged in the mishap - Jacek & Mitch have been riding ” Hell Creek “ today - hopefully we will have some pictures from the weekend fun & games.

The early morning F1 qualifying in Hungary was tight, but in the end it was that man Vettel again, who stole the pole, ahead of a hard charging Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren - Jenson Button brought the other McLaren into 3rd spot followed by Filipe Massa and Fernando Alonso in the red Ferrari’s. - The race goes tomorrow at 5am BC time.

*************************************************

The sun is already up over the lake as I write this, and it seems that the weather is also good in Scotland, for the World Round Trial - today will see the riders have a practice session, before tackling Martin Lampkin’s sections tomorrow. - A big crowd is expected, and they should be treated to some really good action, from the Super Stars.

*************************************************

Yesterday, I spent some time checking over the beautiful Beta Alp that I bought recently - pulled off the rear wheel to check the bearings & pads, and was amazed to find everything pretty much like new. - even the bearings still had lots of the factory grease, although I always repack with the Opti, which is the very best on the market. - this is the stuff that Ford & VW use at their factory assembly plants, and a similar product is used by CN rail right across the country.

I couldn’t help but notice the weight of the various bits and pieces on the Alp - spacers and axles are all steel, as are other parts on the bike, which makes it heavier, but very durable and long lasting. - The surprising thing is how well this bike handles, the Zero engine is super smooth, as is the clutch, not at all like the rather “On/Off” action of the Trials model of that same era. - We are looking forward to spending a day out in Summerland on the bike - with a speedometer to check mileage and a comfy seat, it should be neat.

**************************************************

I see that Todo-Trial have posted a lot more pictures of the new 2012 Sherco, which has undergone more improvements, the bike sure looks good, and the recent sweep of the top four positions at the Reeth 3 Day Trial in the UK, are proof that the 2011 bike performs as good as anything in the right hands.

We got a call from Roger Flinkman yesterday - he’s the organizer of the ATRA events held at Falun, just South of Edmonton - Roger says that because of the continued heavy rain, the Trial scheduled for next weekend will likely have to be canceled, the creek sections are a write off, and the access road through the fields to the camp area are a mud bog. - A final decision will be made mid-week, but call Roger at (780) 352-0636 if you want to double check.

It looks like the last weekend of July is going to be a hot one in the Valley - great for the tourists and beach lovers. - not sure where we will ride on Sunday yet - call if you want to tag along.

Lorraine Fracy emailed some more great pics from Quebec, and while naturally most are of Matt, there are a couple of other shots, and I’ve added them all to the album.

If you think we have land use problems in this Country, check out the letter below that relates to what is happening in the UK, where the “Rambler Society” would like to shut down all motorized sport.

I would like to respond to the questions posed by the Forestry Review Panel:

Q1 – What do forests and woods mean to you?
Q2 – What is your vision for the future of England’s forests and woods?
Q3 – What do you feel to be the benefits of forests and woods to:
a) you personally; society as a whole;
c) the natural environment; and
d) the economy?
Q4 – We would like to hear about your suggestions of practical solutions and good practice which can be replicated more widely.
Q5 – What do you see as the priorities and challenges for policy about England’s forests and woods?

Q1 Nature and recreation. I walk in them, photograph them, and enjoy the challenges they present for sport
Q2 Careful, sustainable management, NOT exclusion and exclusivity. Everyone should be able to enjoy them in their own way, with due and REASONABLE consideration to other users

Q4 Sensible and equitable restriction to prevent any one group from generating a monopoly of use. My sport is motorcycle trials. I accept usage restriction in order to unreasonably affect the terrain and environment. Exclusion is not the answer. I also like to walk, but my right to walk is not at the exclusion of others. The planning departments have to be informed of sport events; this needs to be reasonably managed, non-exclusive, and without unreasonable red tape. Other areas have sufficient size to segregate conflicting requirements; the Countryside stewardship can easily manage such situations.
Q5 To ensure the vocal majority do NOT cost the minority. The Rambler association have every right to be able to enjoy the countryside, but their voice cannot result in less vocal minorities losing their access in entirety. My sport CANNOT happen at any time; we have restrictions. There is no reason why restrictions on other use cannot be made in order for us all to share.

The job of any Trials competition organizer, is without question a real challenge, - putting it all together and getting it “Right” requires a huge amount of work and experience. - OK so most riders already know that, but where do you start, if you are a new-comer to the sport, and want to get involved?.

A few years ago, a bunch of Western Enthusiasts, formed the CTRA - The Canadian Trials Rider’s Association. - The idea was to have a “Trials only” group to look after the sport, with input from riders all across the Country. - This proved to be quite successful for about four years, with National events held in Alberta and BC, but sadly, little involvement by Eastern people.

During that time, one of the things that became obvious, was the need to have classes that were the same as regards to “Degree of difficulty” right across the Country, - in other words, whether you rode on Vancouver Island or in Ontario, the sections you would see at an event would be very similar.

The CTRA even printed off a ‘’ Guide to Trials set up” - (which I think I might have a copy of somewhere) - a good idea for fledgling organizers and clubs, in order to have some sort of standardization across this great land. - Just as in the early days of the sport back in the UK, it is important that events follow some sort of format, in order to be consistent.

Unfortunately, the CTRA did not survive, largely due to the fact that Trials enthusiasts tend to like riding more that officiating, and the timing may have been premature.

Fast forward to the year 2009, and the WEC ( World Enduro Canada) decide to invite Trials riders to join their already successful organization, and the rest as they say, is history, with National events being held in both the East and the West. - However, there is a slight similarity to the old CTRA, in as much as somebody has to do the work to keep things going.

The fact of the matter is that while the WEC are leaping ahead with racers traveling across the country in large numbers to compete - In the smaller Trials pond, only two riders made the trip from Ontario to Summerland, although five riders from the West, did the Rounds in Quebec.

While the WTC events were without doubt much better attended, than the CMA counterparts - it remains to be seen as to who will “Step up to the Plate” for 2012. - I would suggest that the winter months be spent in gathering information from all the various clubs, to analyze what has been accomplished so far, - and to plan for the future. - The WTC have representatives in BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. - in this day and age of electronic communications, it should be an easy matter to span the Country and harness the best ideas for the next decade.

The WTC album is now up on the gallery from the Quebec rounds - we will keep adding to it as we get more pics sent in - most of the ones posted were taken by Lorraine Fracy.

As we head into the August long weekend, the Valley will be chock-a-block with tourist traffic, so driving through Kelowna will be a nightmare, - we will therefore have to plan our Sunday ride accordingly. - Jacek and Mitch will be making a trip to the Elko area, to visit with Jimmy and ride his Mountain, plus I hear thy may go up “Hell Creek” (That’s a real adventure)
We expect Marris to stop in today, on route to Silver Star - he is on a Mountain bike vacation, taking in Whistler, Sun Peaks, and the Okanagan.

In other news, the British World Round goes this weekend - no doubt Mart Lampkin has arranged for some spectacular sections for the rock hoppers - I think that it will need to rain for Dougie to stand any chance of getting his 100th win. - Albert Cabestany (Sherco) will be riding with an ankle injury ( Like Dougie).
The Formula One Circus moves to Hungary this weekend - the series is getting more interesting now that both Ferrari and McLaren have closed the gap on points leaders Red Bull.

More news as it happens >>>>>> Just watched a really funny video clip via a link on Trials Central called 50 Years of Yamaha racing - Check it out.

Not a lot to report today, we’ve received another pic from the Quebec rounds, but with only 4 so far, it is hardly worth making up an album - if anybody has any more please email to me for publishing.

We also got an email from David Craig, who says that they have a couple of good used Gassers for sale if anybody is in the market - you can contact Dave at (604) 434-7447.

This coming weekend will see the World Round Series in Scotland, and a report is listed below from Trials Mag: - Had to smile when I read that on a “Clear Day” you can see the inner Hebrides - Good luck on getting a clear day in the Highlands.

2011 UK WORLD TRIAL - NEVIS RANGE - FORT WILLIAM – SCOTLAND

ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

In only a few days time the World’s greatest riders and their respective teams will arrive at Nevis Range, Fort William – Scotland for the sixth round of the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship. This weekend marks the second consecutive year that this mountain resort has hosted a leg of the World series and if the 2010 UK World Trial was anything to go by, then this year’s event promises to be one not to be missed.

The festivities kick off on Saturday morning when spectators will be treated to an abundance of two-wheeled talent. Once the riders have put their bikes through technical control they will be on hand to sign autographs, before practising in anticipation for Sunday’s main event. Saturday afternoon visitors will bare witness to the awesome finale of the much talked about Highland Challenge, in which ex World champions Dougie Lampkin and Takahisa Fujinami will go head to head in order to settle the score once and for all.

In addition to this, World famous Steve ‘Mr Showtime’ Colley will perform his unique display of trials based tricks. Ex British Trials Champion Steve Saunders will also be in attendance with his distinguished training school, passing on some of his vast knowledge to the next generation of riders. The day will come to a close with a true clash of the titans as Colley and Saunders do battle once again in an unmissable event billed as Steve vs Steve.

Sunday morning will mark the start of the championship action proper as over fifty riders from all over the World will compete on the mountain course. Keeping up with the action could not be easier with a group of seven sections located close to the paddock and three man-made hazards actually at the start / finish area. The gondola will whisk spectators up the mountain to enjoy four more hazards, which are set in one of the most stunning locations on the planet and all within a short walk of the top station, which boasts its own restaurant and play area.

All in all it promises to be a great weekend for all the family.

Directions

Fort William is two and a half hours north of Glasgow and one and a half hours south of Inverness, along the scenic A82. For those travelling from the East there are several routes off the A9, which can be taken, including from Perth and Aviemore. Nevis Range is situated seven miles north of Fort William just off the A82 to Inverness, the route is well signposted.

Nevis Range is one of the premier visitor attractions within the Highlands, offering visitors a truly unique experience all year round. Situated in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the gondola ride has a truly stunning backdrop with some of the most spectacular views that you will witness anywhere in the World.

The gondola journey allows breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen, Ben Nevis, and surrounding areas. On a clear day this spectacular view can extend as far as the Inner Hebrides.

It was hot in the Valley yesterday !! - Knowing this was going to happen ahead of time, - we were out early at Yankee Flats, to meet up with Yamaha Jeff and Dean from Sorrento. - and what a great ride we had.

As riding sections in the boiling sun, is not my favorite pastime, we elected to keep things simple and just take in some of the usual ones on a loop that saw us way over by Spanish Lake, and the high rocky vista of the power-line. - We stopped and played in the muddy creek for a while, and Jeff took a few pics with my little Olympus, as we tried a very tricky line through the creek and up the slippery bank - difficult, but fun. - On route we bumped into Al Madden and his son, who were also out early to miss the heat and the influx of ATV’s and noisy characters who invade this area in the afternoon on loud MX bikes. - Back at the parking location, we also met up with Roy who bought one of my Fantics - he likes to go out by himself using the bike as a trail bike to explore. - he has spent a lot of time on the bike - powder-coating the frame etc.

The rest of my Sunday, was spent watching the F1 race from Germany at 5am - which Englishman Lewis Hamilton won in the McLaren, ahead of Alonso ( Ferrari) and Webber (Red Bull Renault) - the local hero and current World Champ Vettel (Red bull) - failed to shine at his home race, and finished 4th. - Later in the afternoon, I took in the Moto GP race from Laguna Seca, which looked like it was going to be a run-a-way, for Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo, but a determined effort by Casey Stoner (Honda) on lap 26, saw the Australian take the lead, which he held to the finish.

The Editorial below by TMX’s John Dickinson, is interesting, as it compares the sport of golf and motorcycling - read on and enjoy.

How to win without effort!

Or how sitting on the sofa watching an apparently normal bloke win the Open Golf made editor JD think of Joel Robert…

Published Date: 22 July 2011

THERE are two ways of going about the business of riding and racing motorcycles – or partaking in any sport for that matter. The first, if you are looking to take it seriously, in it to win it and all that, is to go the totally professional route, the second is to go the beer and pies route (much preferred by me, as my total lack of sporting success shows) where the aim is maximum enjoyment with minimal input. Not as easy as you might think!

Being totally professional requires lots of dedication and discipline and if you have these traits in abundance you are well on your way. You can run and cross-train and sweat in the gym and spend your winters in Florida or California and train some more (in theory at least). You can lay off the pies and beer while consuming spaghetti till it comes out of your ears and glug on energy drinks till you can drink no more. Then, given the kind of natural skill level of a David Thorpe you could become a three (or four) times World Champion.

Obviously there really aren’t too many David Thorpe’s in the world but given even a modicum of skill, if you put enough effort in you should be able to earn some kind of crust out of your sport.

But bear in mind that in any starting line-up of pros someone will win and equally, someone will finish last. And even that tail-end Charlie will also be following the totally professional creed, just like you.

There is of course a third way, one which quite frankly I thought had died out around 20-years ago, maybe more. This requires a sportsman of such skill that he can (apparently) get by on that alone and these guys always have and always will fascinate me.

So what’s brought this on? Well, on Sunday evening, slumped in front of the telly having spent the day travelling, bus, airport, plane, car etc with all the time-consuming queueing and being messed around by jobsworths that that entails, I was watching the Open Golf from somewhere in Kent. Golf really isn’t my thing but the remote was out of reach, so there it was.

And in amongst all the tall, athletic, super-fit, totally professional young guns whose sporting careers were clearly all mapped out on computer generated spread-sheets, along with every microscopic aspect of their waking (and probably sleeping) totally professional lives, strolled a portly middle-aged chap.

This amiable-looking gent, looking as rumpled as a well-worn Barbour jacket, appeared, admittedly to my untutored eye, to have somehow wandered onto the course, bagged a late entry and was ambling along, pausing occasionally to light a gasper, before taking an intelligent swipe at his ball after taking barely a glance at the pin.

No elaborate addressing of the ball, no painstaking ritual of waggling the club, or his backside, hitching up his trousers or even a twitch of his nose. The chap strolling round without an apparent care in the world was Darren Clarke – and he only won the Open by a canter. Well done him!

…and having won the Open he then, according to the report I read, went on a night-long bender.

Call me old-fashioned – but that’s my kind of sportsman!

Now, I don’t actually advise anyone to follow the 2011 Open winner’s passion for taking a crafty puff behind the groundsman’s hut – although I do admire him for lighting-up in full view of the cameras, cocking a smokey snook at the oh-so-smug ‘Elf an’ Safety’ brigade – or for that matter to go on a night-long gargle, but I do find it heart-warming that a ‘normal’ bloke can still win a world class event without his life becoming an all-consuming shrine to computer-controlled living. Thank god, the techies haven’t quite taken over the world!

If I was looking for a similar figure in the off-road world I reckon I’d have to go back a fair few years for something approaching an equivalent to Darren Clarke.

Top place in MX would have to go to Joel Robert, the legendary Belgian who remains my favourite motocross rider of all time. There will be those out there who would very likely chuck-in the name Graham Noyce or Jeremy McGrath for riders who defied convention – and I wouldn’t argue with them!

If you want a trials rider who defied the accepted odds I’d go with Martin Lampkin. You wouldn’t have caught the first ever World Trials Champion within a considerable distance of a gym or training programme although interestingly you could have often caught him on the golf course. I’ll bet Martin was urging Clarke on to that epic win on Sunday afternoon!

For the majority of would-be successful sportsmen or women, the totally professional route is of course the only way to go.

Ultimately that’s how you get to be Tiger Woods, Roger Federer or Stefan Everts. Or, on a more realistic level, a centre champion, or a National winner or a factory rider. And out of all the totally professional devotees, odd individuals even get to be a world champ.

I truly salute all you out there who commit to a lifetime of unyielding devotion and reap the ultimate reward.

But, perhaps wrongly, not half as much as admire the individual who appears to reach the top without apparent effort, Darren Clarke style.

Up early watching the Formula One German Grand Prix - Mark Webber is leading at the moment, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. UPDATE - Hamilton took the win with Alonso 2nd & Webber 3rd.
It was a hot one in the Valley yesterday - Margie from Quesnel, dropped by to pick up the 2005 Sherco that we had for sale - we had a nice long chat about the sport - she bought a 1998 Beta a couple of months ago and is having a ton of fun riding, and needed a second bike for a buddy.

The Moto GP race goes today from Laguna Seca - saw the qualifying including the huge practice crash by Jorge Lorenzo - he got away with only bruises, and then set the fastest time to grab the pole position for Yamaha. - The race is on Speed at 2pm BC time.

We are going out to Yankee Flats this morning - meeting up with Yamaha Jeff and the Sorrento boys.

More news later.>>>>> Day Two results from the Reeth Three Day Trial in the UK, show Sherco riders still in the top three positions.

The trip to Summerland yesterday, went as planned - met up with Pete and then Bob arrived with my new Beta 300, so after a nice lunch and a chat, Pete & myself headed up the hill to put a few km on the bike. - These new Betas really are so easy to set up - no need to even adjust the idle or air-screw - two kicks and it fired up and sat there ticking over while I got my gear on. - We decided to go on an easy trail ride out to Rowdy Flats - then took the lower Mountain trail back to the ridge above the “Slip & Slide” section we used a couple of years ago. - we explored a few of the trails in that area, before dropping down to the road and headed back to the van.

Today I have somebody coming to buy the 05 Sherco, and then it will be time for me to do some personal touches to my new toy, plus put the rim stickers on etc. - Not sure where we will go riding tomorrow as yet, will post later.

I see the Reeth three day trial is on this weekend in the UK, and results from the first day, show a Sherco “Sweep” of the first four places - Richard Sadler has only lost three, while Jonathan Richardson is second on the 125. - they always have a huge entry at this event.

The Moto GP teams are at Laguna Seca this weekend - the Americans usually do well at their home event, so all eyes will be on Ben Spies with the factory Yamaha., although Casey Stoner and the other Honda riders will no doubt be right up there.

Formula One is in Germany, and qualifying is taking place as I write this - the final practice saw the Red Bull cars in their usual place at the top of the time sheets, although the Ferrari’s are looking quite competitive.

So here we are at the end of another week, and while the rest of Canada is coping with a heat wave, in British Columbia the weather has been more like April, with sunshine mixed with rain, and also some big wind storms.

However, unless you are a tourist wishing for time on the beaches, the cooler weather makes life much easier for us older folk, here in the Okanagan Valley - it also has other advantages, such as keeping the Forest Fire threat to a minimum, and riding in the woods is much more pleasant.

Today I will be going to Summerland to meet Bob Clark and Pete - Bob is making a trip to the Valley, and bringing my Beta 300, so Pete and myself will be going up the hill later to put some time on the new bike. - The plan is to do some exploring for the 2012 Outlaw Trial, so that we can tie in some new trails and sections.

Last night I watched the video of the 2011 Scottish - the 100th year Anniversary event, which of course John Dearie, - Jon English and Guy Smeeth rode, However, there is very little coverage of our Canadian riders, and the commentary is as usual for the CJB tapes, pretty boring. - In fact the biggest problem I have is staying awake, as watching rider after rider going through the same section, tends to lull me to sleep. - Not that I don’t appreciate the tremendous efforts put in by the riders, the top lads make it all look so easy, while the ones with less ability flounder through with legs everywhere.

The Formula One Teams are in Germany this weekend at the famous Nuremberg circuit - Alonso was fastest in the first practice, the Ferrari driver on a high after winning at Silverstone.